Researchers from MIT have created a handheld device called GelSight that provides ultra-high resolution 3D scans of microscopic surface structure.

The main section of the system is a small slab of transparent, synthetic rubber that’s coated on one side with a paint containing tiny flecks of metal. If you push the rubber against an object, the paint-coated side morphs to closely conform to the object’s texture.

In the video, we see a guy squidge his finger into the rubber, instantly amplifying the microscopic structure of his skin, and revealing a bold … Read More → "Robot-Finger Spinoff Can Model Microscopic Details in 3-D"

Recently, TSA shut down the Eppley Terminal in Omaha for several hours and called in the bomb squad over a “suspicious-looking item” in a carry on bag. Turns out the item was a science experiment in a mint tin from an Oregon graduate student who was bringing the project home. You can see from the picture below (from the TSA blog post) it’s an item that, frankly, could have been in any respectable geek’s luggage.

Moral of the story? Next time you fly, skip … Read More → "Remember: leave your electronics projects at home when you fly"

NASA has picked seven private spaceflight companies, each working to build a commercial spaceship, as its transportation of choice for launching experiments to the edge of space and back. via space.com 

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XCOR Aerospace’s Lynx spacecraft is shown launching into space with a science payload … Read More → "NASA picks 7 private spaceships for trips to edge of space"

Today’s xkcd:

Stephen H. Segal’s new book: Geek Wisdom: The Sacred Teachings of Nerd Culture.

“The geeks have inherited the earth. Computer nerds are our titans of industry; comic-book superheroes are our Hollywood idols; the Internet is our night on the town. Clearly, geeks know something about life in the 21st century that other folks don’t — something we all can learn from.”  – Quirk Books

Read More → "Geek Wisdom: The Sacred Teachings of Nerd Culture"

From the Maker Shed: The DSO Nano v2.0, from the Maker Shed, is a Digital Storage Oscilloscope designed for basic electronic engineering tasks. The new DSO features an ARM Cortex™-M3 32 bit platform which provides basic waveform monitoring. It has a 320*240 color LCD, micro SD card storage, portable probes, LiPo Battery, USB connection, and signal generator. 

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< … Read More → "Is the DSO Nano V2.0 your new pocket oscilloscope?"

New space-based images show the same tsunami that devastated Japan also caused a series of giant icebergs to break off halfway around the world in Antarctica. via Wired

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… Read More → "Japan tsunami broke off icebergs in Antarctica"

“NASA researchers studying meteorites have found that they contain several of the components needed to make DNA on Earth. The discovery provides support for the idea that the building blocks for DNA were likely created in space, and carried to Earth on objects, like meteorites, that crashed into the planet’s surface. According to the theory, the ready-made DNA parts could have then assembled under Earth’s early conditions to create the first DNA.” via Geekosystem

Read More → "NASA proves building blocks of DNA come from space"

Deep breaths, Trekkers: a Star Trek theme park is in the works. I know, it’ll be in Jordan, but still. You know you wanna go.

Source: Dvice

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“ALBUQUERQUE, NM—Despite having no reason for entering the store, 39-year-old Pat Arneson reportedly stopped into a local Best Buy Tuesday, browsed through the various sections, and then left 15 minutes later.” via the onion

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